Dec 3, 2008

Politicians playing the blame game, countries speculating, Countries trying to attack on the pretext of saving other nations and the world, diplomacy jumping and then taking dips, everything going for a toss. The people are confused on what to believe and what not. The UN has become the force that it was before the World War - a silent spectator. Those in the know shut up. And the ignorant turn their beliefs into facts for the world.

And the world laps it all up. So that in the end, its a huge mess of views, opinions, diplomatic talks, personal grudges, vested interests, and confusion. And the facts are all hidden beneath, lost forever.

In the midst of all this, adding to the confusion is the Paki media. This bit of video clip just gave me a whole new perspective. I must say imagination is great for the media there. I could never have fathomed this angle to the attacks. But I will reserve my views and leave you to conclude whatever you wish from these clips:

Dec 1, 2008

Here is something that can provide a ray of hope to us. A way towards change:

Rule 49-O is a Rule in the The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which governs elections in India. It covers the procedures to be followed when a valid voter decides not to cast his vote, and decides to record this fact. Recording one's vote under Section 49-O is a choice that voters can exercise to prevent electoral fraud, and misuse of their vote. (for detailed explanation, check below)

An incident that happened some years ago where some fellow in Bombay itself decided to make use of this hidden rule and not vote for anyone and make that obvious is what motivated me. One person did it, and it was in the news. Imagine what would happen if even 200-300 youth decided to do this. It's what made me think, this is the way ahead, the way towards the change we are all looking for. And as I looked for more such incidents, I found another interesting article in the Indian Express online edition. You SHOULD read it. It is informative and shows how this was implemented somewhere.

This can be used very well to shake the governance. If even a few hundred exercise this, the politicians will take notice. And they will start talking. Maybe more can join in. And even a re-polling option can be asked for. It's a way to ask for change. A way to protest. Something that will show the politicians that yes we can do something. We are not a bunch of fools who get lured by their promises and blindly vote. We also have power to change the country and the system and if they don't buck up, they won't be able to hold onto their seats.

Let us start with this movement. As we go ahead with rallies and marches, mails and messages, this is one issue we can talk about.

I may be too ambitious. I may have wrong information. But then I have to start somewhere. And if someone has better ideas, better info, better views, you are welcome. Counter, agree, add, do whatever, but please react. Let us find a way to be active and do something. A way to actually create an upheaval.

Show that we still are a democracy. And it is the masses who have the power.

The rule*:

Rule 49-O is a Rule in the The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which governs elections in India. It covers the procedures to be followed when a valid voter decides not to cast his vote, and decides to record this fact. Recording one's vote under Section 49-O is a choice that voters can exercise to prevent electoral fraud, and misuse of their vote.

49-O. Elector deciding not to vote.-If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.

Present Implications of Rule 49-OSince the ballot paper/EVM contains only the list of candidates, a voter cannot record his vote under Section 49-O directly. He must inform the presiding officer at the election booth. This violates the secrecy of the ballot.

The exact implications of Rule 49-O from the perspective of winner declaration are unclear. It may be, given the present state of The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, assumed that a winner will be declared irrespective of the number of 'non-votes'. However, a note of every 'non-vote' will be made with the Election Officer, and the total number of non-voters will, presumably, be available under the Right to Information, Act. Please note that the availability of this information has not been confirmed as yet.

Some recent articles suggest that in case the number of votes recorded under Section 49-O is greater than the maximum number of votes polled in favour of any of the candidates, a repoll is held. This is not explicitly mentioned in any of the sections of The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.